OUTTAKES

Byline Biz

Sources tell us that Premiere magazine is test-marketing three covers--"The Untouchables," "Dragnet" and "Beverly Hills Cop II"--before deciding which one to splash across newsstands June 2.

Editor Susan Lyne didn't want to talk cover details. But she confirmed that the initial issue will feature articles on the making of "The Untouchables" by Jesse Kornbluth, on the Eddie Murphy sequel by L.A. Weekly columnist Anne Thompson and on "Dragnet" by Calendar's Paul Rosenfield. First press run: 300,000. Second issue: Due out in September.

Premiere is Rupert Murdoch's American version of the successful French-language monthly of the same name. If the trial editions sell, Premiere will go monthly in January. Free-lance rates are lofty: $1 per word for 1,500-5,000 words, with the thrust on business rather than personalities.

"We're going to pay more attention to the people who make movies, to the process, and to the business, which I think people are anxious to read about," Lyne told us. She said there will also be a strong "service" slant--the June issue will preview 78 movies to be released this summer; recommendations of what's hot in videocassettes (critics include David Denby, J. Hoberman and our Sheila Benson) and reviews of sound-track albums.